International Students

International students who are selected to participate in HIP, and confirm their acceptance of our invitation, will receive Harvard University sponsorship of the J-1 student intern visa. International applicants who are already studying at a US college and who are selected for our program will need to obtain 'curricular practical training' (CPT) approval from their college or university.

International applicants need do nothing with regard to obtaining a visa until they have received confirmation of their participation in HIP. The HIP program administrator will work with Harvard's International Office to initiate the necessary paperwork, and that will be sent via FedEx delivery to the intern's international address. At that point, the student is responsible for scheduling the visa interview at the nearest US Embassy/Consulate, and he/she will also be responsible for any visa application fees. In the history of HIP, no intern visas have been denied!

International applicants who are not already studying at a US college or university will need to provide evidence of oral and written mastery of English (if English is not your native language) - an interview with selected applicants will be conducted via Skype. Additionally, per US Dept. of State regulations, selected international applicants will also have to provide evidence of health insurance coverage and financial support equal to approximately $2,500.00 per month (the stipend is valued at $1,800.00 per month).

All non-Harvard applicants are encouraged to check with their home university about the availability of, and the intern's eligibility for, a travel grant to supplement the HIP stipend. In some cases, past interns have secured additional funding to cover their travel to Boston.

Income and expenses borne by international applicants who are selected for our program and commit to participation:Income: $4500.00 stipend (likely subject to 14% tax: $4500.00 - 14% = $3870.00)

Expenses:Housing: Up to ~$3500.00, depending on choice of housingTransportation:Flight or other travel to USVisa application:~$180.00Health insurance:Coverage per US Dept. of State regulations for J-1 visa ( As part of the J1 visa requirements, you (and any family members traveling with you) will be required by the Department of State to maintain adequate health insurance coverage for the full duration of your trip that meets the following main requirements:

Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness

Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000

Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the J1 visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000

About Harvard Stem Cell Science

Advancing Biomedicine From Classroom to ClinicThe Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biologyadvance the understanding of human development and disease, support the discovery of stem cell-based therapies and cures for diseases, create collaborations across traditional institutional and disciplinary boundaries, and teach and train the next generation of leading stem cell scientists.